SPRINGFIELD, IL -- More than 270 operator-run video lottery terminals were activated in 65 locations statewide at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9, with the prospect of thousands more locations joining the system in the months to come.

First report of the market launch came from Sam Westgate of J&J Ventures (Carmi), a member and past president of the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association, which lobbied for 20 years to create the VLT opportunities for independent service organizations.

To date, some 341 bars, restaurants, fraternal organizations and veterans clubs have been licensed for video lottery gaming by the Illinois Gaming Board. IGB officials said more than 2,000 locations have applied for licenses.

As earlier reported by VT, a handful of operator-run video lottery terminals went live on Sept. 7 in a small number of locations as part of a test of the network and local equipment. SEE STORY